Because, for me, ultrasound science is ‘the family business’ I had a natural desire to understand more about emerging technologies and applications in the field of medicine. One area, in particular, that piqued my interest was the potential use of focused ultrasound therapy to improve the lives of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Admittedly, my interest was in large part personal as my grandfather suffers from this affliction. I am fortunate that my grandparents live with us for six months of the year which allows me and my siblings to spend valuable time with them, but it has also brought to the forefront how devastating this cognitive decline can be.

Modern researchers have more varied opinions, and even less certainty than Dr. Alzheimer. Potential causes theorized and under study include any one, or potential combinations of the following conditions: nutritional deficiencies, toxic (metallic) exposure, prior head injuries, infections, inflammation from disease, or that Alzheimer’s may be a natural deterioration in brain functionality.

The execution of this theory had one big problem to overcome: The impenetrability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). This is an amazing semipermeable membrane that serves to insulate the brain from most unwanted pathogens, while allowing essential substances for brain functionality (i.e. glucose, water and amino acids) to penetrate. Treatments that would involve invasive surgical destruction of the integrity of the blood-brain barrier are universally considered to be an unacceptable risk.

Another area of research is the potential of focused ultrasound to augment the delivery of therapeutic drugs or antibodies across the BBB. Focused ultrasound allows for more precise targeting of delivery, minimizing damage to healthy, non-targeted brain tissue. Although these treatments will not be realized for my grandfather, I follow the progress of clinical trials with great interest as the reality that this disease may impact other family members is real.